The Giving Tree

Written by: Shel Silverstein

First line: Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy.

Why you should read this book: This is the enduring tale of selflessness, framed as the relationship between a human boy and an apple tree who will do literally anything in her power to keep this kid happy, because, apparently, she can only find happiness by offering it to others. The tree gives; the boy is happy. Even unto death, the tree gives; the boy is happy.

Why you shouldn't read this book: It's also, in its way, a story about a soft colonialist mindset and the idea that natural resources exist to be exploited, and that women should sacrifice themselves for men, but kids never see any of this; they just want the boy and the tree to be happy.